Patriots vs. Seahawks predictions, odds, time: 2026 NFL Kickoff Game picks by model on 53-37 run — SkimNews

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- SportsLine model simulated the Seahawks-Patriots opener 10,000 times and projects 46 combined points, backing the Over 44.5; the model enters 2026 on a 53-37 run on top-rated NFL picks since 2024 and is up over $7,000 for $100 players since inception.
- Seattle opened as a 3.5-point home favorite for the 8:20 p.m. ET kickoff, a rematch of last season's Super Bowl that the Seahawks won 29-13 to cap a 14-3 regular season.
- Patriots RB TreVeyon Henderson (ankle) has been ruled out for the opener, while Seattle hands rookie first-round pick Jadarian Price a heavy early workload after Kenneth Walker III's departure and Zach Charbonnet's injury.
- New England also went 14-3 last season in Mike Vrabel's first year as head coach and upgraded its offense by adding three-time All-Pro A.J. Brown plus a first-round offensive tackle to protect Drake Maye.
- The Over trend backs the model's call: it went 7-2 when Seattle was a home favorite last season (best in the NFL, minimum three games) and 11-6 in Patriots regular-season games, and it has hit in each of the last six regular-season meetings between these teams.
Why it matters: For bettors tracking the model, the 53-37 pick record since 2024 and $7,000+ track record give the Over 44.5 real weight, and the matchup supports it — both teams were top-three scoring offenses last season and each upgraded via the draft or free agency, while a 3.5-point spread leaves the total as the most identifiable edge on the NFL's opening night card.
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